About Mental Health Careers

Mental health problems are serious and often life-changing conditions that affect a number of people. The doctors, nurses and psychiatrists who work in mental health are very special medical workers. They use medical and non-medical ways to treat their patients.

Mental Health Aides

Those who choose careers as mental health aides have important jobs in psychiatric care. They provide personal care to mental health patients in lock-down units, psychiatric facilities and long-term nursing homes. Although this career is at the bottom of psychiatry, it is one of the most important to the emotional and physical well being of patients.

Mental Health Nurses

Mental health nurses typically monitor psychiatric patients, design treatment plans and counsel families of the mentally ill. A great number of registered nurses choose to specialize in mental health through advanced studies. They earn nurse practitioner degrees and may choose to work as psychotherapists.

Most psychiatric nurses choose to work in their own practices. A number of states allow them to prescribe medications and treatment once they earn their degrees. They can work directly with physicians and psychiatrists if they choose to do so.

Clinical Psychologists

Clinical psychologists may work in their own offices or private practices during evening hours to accommodate their patients. They cannot prescribe medications; however, they may confer with psychiatrists and physicians regarding patient treatments. Psychologists may work as school, hospital or rehabilitation counselors. Some offer services to law enforcement to profile criminals, help determine child custody cases or solve crimes.